The introvert
Introverts prefer peace and are more comfortable doing things alone.
Hanging out with a close handful of friends is preferable and very rarely do we start conversations with strangers. When we do try to talk, we become nervous and often make the atmosphere rather awkward(or cringe at what you said). I remember being in a social environment for a long time and having to escape somewhere quiet by myself to recharge the energy that was drained from being there.
So how does someone who has a difficult time interacting with people can be a step above other people? Here are some examples:
Successful introverts
Alberts Einstein one of the greatest scientists discovered the theory of relativity which we now enjoy the luxury of GPS navigation and laser device technology for scanning bar codes and also for delicate surgery.
“The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
Albert Einstein
Elon Musk is known to spend countless hours engrossed in his work, often immersing himself in complex technical problems.
He can make groundbreaking discoveries and push the boundaries of innovation due to his intense concentration on his projects.
“Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.”
Elon Musk
Michael Jordan without a doubt one of the best basketball players of all time. Spends the majority of his free time honing his craft to its utmost perfection. That obsession led him to be the most marketed athlete in history.
“My innate personality is to win at all costs. If I have to do it myself, I’m going to do it.”
Michael Jordan
If you haven’t already guessed it yes, I am an introvert. Just some humble bragging about how this personality can give me an edge compared to others.
Did you know that most successful people(billionaires) in the world are introverts?
Okay, the above examples aren’t enough to justify why we are superior.
So let’s dive right into how the traits of an introvert can be the key to success.
Types of Introvert
Most introverts have a few extroverted traits as well, One study shows there are 4 subtypes:
Social introverts: This is the “classic” type of introvert. Social introverts like small groups and quiet settings over crowds.
Thinking introverts: People in this group are daydreamers. They spend a lot of time in their thoughts and tend to have creative imaginations.
Anxious introverts: They seek out alone time not just because they like it, but also because they often feel awkward or shy around people.
Restrained/inhibited introverts: These introverts think before they act. They aren’t likely to decide on a whim. Typically they take longer to take action.
How Introverts are superior
All you introverts out there will be pleased to hear this. You can go solo and focus on building yourself up for a longer time than others.
You don’t rely on others for validation and approval. Prefer to solve problems on their own and believe in their abilities enough.
As a bestselling author, Susan Cain points out in her book, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”: “The bias against introversion leads to a colossal waste of talent, energy, and happiness.”
Susan Cain a neuroscientist points out “4 highly coveted” skills that put introverts ahead.
- Ability to focus longer and be more creative
- They do more brainstorming
- Most gifted people are introverts
- They are less influenced by external events
1. Ability to focus longer and be more creative
Being comfortable alone can help you be more creative as research in 2017 showed that isolation boosts your imagination and allows creativity to flourish.
So interacting with others can prevent you from brainstorming and being more self-aware.
2. They do more brainstorming
One Harvard study found that introverts’ brains work differently, and have thicker gray matter than extroverts.
Introverts also showed more activity in the frontal lobes, where analysis and rational thought take place.
3. More gifted people are introverts
Statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts.
People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art, or math.
4. They are less influenced by external events
Moreover, a 2013 study also showed that extroverts are more easily influenced by social pressure. “The higher the pressure, a larger number of “going along with” responses are given by extroverts.”
Yet, “there is no difference in conforming responses given to high- and low-pressure levels by introverts.”
Listening
Introverts usually avoid being the center of attention when they speak, and when they do, they often speak after considering their message.
That means the ratio for listening is higher than talking, which is an advantage that helps other people to be heard when they are talking.
Remain objective and refrain from jumping to conclusions based on personal judgment, opinion, or experience, and not add yourself to the conversation and make it about you
“Introverts want to take in what you’re saying, think about it and then respond, while extroverts want to engage in a back-and-forth.”
Laurie Helgoe
University of Pennsylvania researchers studied 340 call center representatives over three months and found that introverts closed more deals than extroverts.
“The best salespeople are the best listeners, not talkers,” says Beth Buelow, a professional coach, author, and founder of the Introvert Entrepreneur.
“People want to be seen and heard, so that’s the greatest gift you can give them as a leader, businessperson, networker, or friend.”
Beth Buelow
To Conclude
Introverts are only superior if they can realize their strengths and weaknesses. I firmly believe everyone should focus on valuing social skills.
Albert Einstein may have worked alone most of his time.
However, he still participated in the science community and had challenging discussions.
Elon Musk said that it took him a lot of time and practice to get comfortable with going up on stage and speaking.
However, as the head of a company, it’s something you have to learn how to do.
Even an outstanding athlete like Michael Jordan still needed to follow a system created by Phil Jackson.
By incorporating his plays with the team and maximizing each of their roles to win the championship.
